Senate raises concerns over CNIC, domicile checks and traveller harassment across provinces

The Senate Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination has expressed concern over complaints from citizens travelling between provinces including repeated checks of CNICs and domiciles delays in the transportation of goods and alleged inappropriate behaviour at security checkpoints.

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination has expressed concern over complaints from citizens travelling between provinces including repeated checks of CNICs and domiciles delays in the transportation of goods and alleged inappropriate behaviour at security checkpoints.

The committee met at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Dilawar Khan. Senators Aimal Wali Khan, Rubina Qaim Khani, Syed Kazim Ali Shah, Rubina Khalid and Zamir Hussain Ghumro attended the meeting while Senators Saifullah Abro and Hidayat Ullah Khan participated as special invitees.

At the outset, the committee chairman questioned the absence of key provincial officials and the relevant federal minister or adviser. He said the committee was established to resolve issues arising between provinces and address complaints from the public. He warned that continued absence of responsible officials could result in privilege motions or possible judicial action.

Police officials from Rawalpindi, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan briefed the committee on security arrangements inter-provincial travel and checking procedures.

The Regional Police Officer Rawalpindi informed members that 31 cross-border check posts were functioning across the province, with personnel deployed at 15 locations considered particularly sensitive from a security perspective. He said only three incidents had been reported since January but police continued to receive threat alerts requiring security personnel to remain vigilant.

While acknowledging the need for security checks, senators stressed that ordinary citizens should not face unnecessary inconvenience or mistreatment. Members also highlighted the pressure on police personnel, including long working hours, fatigue and shortages of resources.

Senator Aimal Wali Khan discussed the varying security conditions across different parts of the country and raised concerns about the treatment of women during searches in tribal areas. He said security procedures should take local customs and traditions including purdah into consideration.

The committee emphasised that security measures must be balanced with the fundamental rights of citizens. Officials from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police said the recommendations made by the committee were reasonable and appropriate.

The meeting also examined complaints about police practices in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Members stressed that law-enforcement agencies must operate within the legal framework. Sindh Police officials told the committee that there was no discriminatory checking policy and that standard procedures were being applied to tackle smuggling, drugs and other security threats.

A major concern raised during the meeting involved people travelling between Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Islamabad who were reportedly being stopped over CNICs, domiciles and questions regarding Afghan nationals. Police officials said some cases involved identity cards flagged as suspicious by NADRA. They explained that district committees headed by deputy commissioners were dealing with such cases.

The committee also considered difficulties in transporting wheat and other essential commodities between provinces. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Department officials briefed members on wheat stocks and procurement arrangements. The chairman and committee members sought detailed information in writing so that a clear mechanism could be developed to facilitate the movement of essential supplies without unnecessary road closures or delays.

The chairman noted that the situation had improved after the committee previously summoned senior police officials from Rawalpindi and Attock over problems affecting flour transportation.

Officials also briefed the committee about joint checking points in Sukkur and other areas. They said the posts were established to curb smuggling and the movement of narcotics while vehicles carrying ordinary goods should not be stopped without a legitimate reason.

The committee also expressed concern over statements and video clips from provincial assemblies that members believed could contribute to tensions between provinces. Senators stressed that political leaders should exercise responsibility and avoid rhetoric that could damage inter-provincial relations.

Senator Dilawar Khan said maintaining harmony among the provinces would remain a central priority of the committee. He directed the relevant authorities to improve coordination, ensure equal treatment of citizens and facilitate the movement of people and essential goods across provincial boundaries.